longrifle cover?

[BullRunBear]

I just got the email that my TVM Late Lancaster will arrive next week. Realzed I don't have a case of any kind that will fit it. I had planned to get some wool, like for a thick blanket, and sew up a simple cover to slip it into. (I plan to make a wooden, padded case for it this summer.) Before I get the material, is pure wool appropriate or is a wool/synthetic blend (easier to find) okay? Any suggestions for other materials?

I'm not trying to be period correct, just want to protect the new gun in the car on the way to the range. Also, the sheath won't be for storage. It will be in a dehumidified safe at home. At least when I'm not caressing it. :grin:

Thanks for any suggestions.

Jeff

 

[roundball]

Just simply as one inexpensive, simple, quick cover until you sort out what you want to build is this...I wanted a soft protective cover for walking in/out of the woods in the dark.
Stopped by a big fabric place...bought a couple yards of 'padding' that goes under indoor/outdoor boat carpet.
I cut it to shape...shoe shop zipped a stitch around it...done...used it all last hunting season and don't have a mark on my new Virginias

 

[Billnpatti]

I went to my local fabric shop and bought some soft baby blanket material and some light canvas. I drew a pattern based on my regular gun case and made it longer to fit the gun for which I was making it. Make it about a foot longer than the rifle. I cut a piece of blanket material and a piece of canvas using the paper pattern. Then I sewed the two pieces of fabric together along the edges and down through the long center. Then I folded the edges together with the canvas inside and sewed these edges together. I then turned the guncase inside out so that the canvas was now on the outside and ther blanket material on the inside. Leave enough length so that you can fold the end over to form a flap. Use a leather thong to tie it shut. I have made several of these, one for each of my rifles. The canvas is very durable and the blanket makes good padding. It is just like the one Roundball sent a picture of except that mine has a layer of canvas on the outside.

 

[BullRunBear]

Folks,

Many thanks for the good ideas. This is exactly what I had in mind. A local fabric store is having a half price sale on heavy canvas cloth, which is convenient.

My wife wants to try this as an excuse to see if her electric sewing machine still works. If not, we have an antique treadle sewing machine from the 1890s that does work. (And people ask me why I like "old" stuff like that sewing machine, film cameras and manual typewriters. Maybe because they still work!) :thumbsup:

The nice thing is I can use the same method to replace my other rifle cases. They are disintegrating from age and use, the zippers are broken, and I bought them second hand to start with.

Thanks again,

Jeff

 

[roundball]

Many thanks for the good ideas. This is exactly what I had in mind. A local fabric store is having a half price sale on heavy canvas cloth, which is convenient.

Be aware that unless you line it, heavy, coarse canvas could chafe the finish off in spots...for my simple 'carry cover' to use in the woods, the 1/4" padding is soft and smooth like felt.
Note: It’s probably worth putting a piece of thin suede along the stretch where the top sight will rub to keep it wearing/snagging on the soft liner material.

For a rain cover, I used heavy cotton duck lined with wool army blanket lining so it drapes/stays in place during some rain...you could use the same approach for a more permanent gun sleeve.

 

[BullRunBear]

Thanks Roundball. I plan to use the softer material, like the padding you mentioned or the blanket material, on the inside of the sleeve to avoid harming the finish. It will also provide more "cush" to protect the rifle.

By the way, your photos are very helpful and save me trying to explain your descriptions to my wife. She really appreciates them.

Jeff